Watch how much your child drinks, how often they pass urine and how alert they are after vomiting or diarrhoea. Get urgent medical assessment if they are passing much less urine, cannot keep down small sips, look unusually tired or have other signs of dehydration. If they become unresponsive or have severe breathing difficulty, call 995. KKH childhood diarrhoea guidance · KKH childhood vomiting guidance · SCDF emergency medical services
For a child who is alert and able to drink, offer small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution when appropriate. Mix the solution exactly as directed. Continue breastfeeding. Ask a healthcare professional about fluids for a young infant or a child with a medical condition. NUH gastroenteritis and oral rehydration guide · KKH childhood diarrhoea guidance
- Track drinking, vomiting and urine output.
- Use small frequent sips when the child is alert and can swallow.
- Seek urgent care for worsening dehydration, persistent vomiting, or green or bloody vomit.
On this page · Look for a Change From the Child’s Usual Pattern · Use Oral Rehydration Carefully · When to Go to Children’s Emergency · Frequently Asked Questions
Look for a Change From the Child’s Usual Pattern
Fewer wet nappies, little or no urine, a dry mouth, crying without tears and unusual tiredness can point to dehydration. Tell the doctor when your child last passed urine. Include any recent change in drinking or activity. A child who cannot keep down repeated small sips needs urgent assessment. KKH childhood diarrhoea guidance · KKH childhood vomiting guidance
Use Oral Rehydration Carefully
Oral rehydration solution contains water, sugar and salts in a measured balance. Follow the preparation instructions and offer frequent small amounts if the child can drink safely. Keep breastfeeding if applicable. KKH advises continuing a formula-fed baby’s usual formula and avoiding water-only feeding. Ask a clinician what to give if the child is very young or keeps vomiting. NUH gastroenteritis and oral rehydration guide · KKH childhood diarrhoea guidance
When to Go to Children’s Emergency
Seek immediate assessment if vomit is green or bloody, there is blood in the stool, the child has a painful swollen abdomen or they appear very unwell. A baby under three months with fever or illness needs prompt assessment. Call 995 if the child is unresponsive or has another life-threatening sign. KKH childhood emergency signs · KKH childhood vomiting guidance · SCDF emergency medical services
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I offer a full cup after vomiting?
Offer small, frequent sips if the child is alert and can drink safely. Seek urgent care if they cannot keep even small amounts down. NUH gastroenteritis and oral rehydration guide · KKH childhood vomiting guidance
What should I tell the doctor?
Give the time vomiting or diarrhoea began, the last time the child urinated and the amount they have managed to drink.
Can I use an adult diarrhoea medicine?
Ask a clinician before giving it. KKH generally advises against medicines used to stop diarrhoea in adults being used in children. KKH childhood diarrhoea guidance
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Baby Fever Under 3 Months in Singapore | When to Go to Children’s Emergency
- Severe Stomach Pain in a Child in Singapore | When to Go to A&E
- Suspected Spinal Injury in Singapore | What to Do After a Fall, Collision or Diving Accident
- Child Medical Emergency in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.